KICK-ASS 2 (2013)

As is so often the case with sequels, unfortunately this one too is a bit of a let down. Do not get me wrong, it is still good but lacks the originality and vibrancy of the first one; the panache and verve so to speak. However, if the aim of the two films was merely to introduce the comic book series, I'd say it succeeded adequately.

This one takes place four years later. Both Dave (Aaron Johnson) and Mindy (Chloe Grace Moretz) decided to hang up their super hero suits to try and lead normal teenage lives. But neither of them finds it easy. So, when a super villain, Mother F****r (Christopher Mintz-Plasse) appears on the scene with a whole army of villains, they are only to glad to be dragged back into the battle between good and evil to do what they do best.

In this movie, Jim Carrey makes an almost unrecognizable appearance as Colonel Stars and Stripes. However, he is unable to carry it to the same heights as did Nicolas Gage in the first one. The fight scenes are still spectacular but, like the rest of the movie, it lacks pizazz; it's much more fun to see the baddies get beat up by an eleven year old than a sixteen year old. In the end, though, it is still good enough to earn 3 out of 5 stars from me. 

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Td921lYSBIA

 An almost unrecognizable Jim Carrey as Sgt. Stars & Stripes

 

KICK-ASS (2010)

Over the past few weeks I looked at super hero movies, all of which are based on popular Marvel comic books series. For the next couple of weeks I want to look at a super hero movie franchise with a difference. For one, the first movie (the one under discussion) came out even before the first issue of the even-titled comic books was published. Secondly, the title character does not have any super powers whatsoever!

Dave Lezewski (excellently done by newcomer Aaron Taylor Johnson) is your typical nondescript teenager with a propensity for comic books. One day he decides to don a costume (which is actually a spandex wet suit) and starts to fight crime. However, things do not go as he hoped and he gets to be beat up...badly. But then he meets the super assassin, Big Daddy (Nicolas Cage) and his foul mouthed but lethal eleven year old sidekick of a daughter called Hit Girl (superbly done by Chloe Grace Moretz) and things start to change...drastically.

Unlike most films in this genre there are surprisingly few explosions and special effects. But then it is not necessary as the movie is totally carried by its able cast and gripping story. Therefor, as far as super hero movies go, this one is a clear cut above the rest. That explains the 4 out of 5 stars I rated it. Highly recommended viewing, but be warned, the 16LVD age restriction is there for a reason.

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mcKIMqRF5Gc

Aaron Taylor Johnson, Chloe Moretz, Nicholas Cage and Christopher Mintz-Plasse

 

THOR (2011)

The only member of the Avengers team that is not of this earth is the demi-god son of Odin: The Mighty Thor. He is from Asgard. But if you know your Norse mythology you will of cause know all this.

In this, the first in the Thor Marvel series, we meet Odin (Anthony Hopkins), Thor (Chris Hemsworth) and his trusty hammer as well as Thor's mischievous brother, Loki (Tom Hiddleston). After disobeying his father and almost causing a cataclysmic disaster, Thor is stripped of his powers and banished to earth in an effort to teach him humility. However, there he meets and falls in love with a mortal, the scientist Jane Foster (Natalie Portman).

Although this movie basically sets the tone for what is to come in the rest of this particular Marvel series, it still has got its own self contained plot and story which, in my opinion is very good. Therefor I give it 3 out of 5 stars.

Trailer link:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JOddp-nlNvQ

Stan Lee: The man behind Marvel...

 

THOR: THE DARK WORLD (2013)

In this follow up the entire cast is back but this time most of the action takes place off earth.

A long time ago, Odin's father defeated an ancient race of people called the Dark Elves and sentenced them to a state of eternal sleep. But through some strange anomaly on earth, Jane gets to be infected by the powerful force, called the Aether, which the Dark Elves once used to rule the universe. This event, in turn, causes these evil creatures to awaken. And, of cause, they now want revenge. But to achieve that they need the Aether back. What follows is a cosmic battle between good and evil.

Again, everything is done in spectacular fashion that will keep you in its grip from beginning to end. As with all the Marvel movies I have seen so far, this one too is much more that just another glorified video game. It has a good story, excellent acting by the star studded cast and all the action you can wish for. This one too earns 3 out of 5 stars from me. 

Trailer link: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npvJ9FTgZbM

Tom Hiddleston as 'Loki' and Chris Hemsworth as 'Thor'